Archive
July 2017
Afghanistan: All That Glitters Is Not Gold
By Catherine Putz
There's a reason Afghanistan's resource wealth remains untapped.
Currency Wars Along the Silk Road
By Gregory Gleason
Which will emerge on top in Central Asia: the dollar, the yuan, or even Bitcoin?
Will Afghanistan's Minerals Shape Trump's Policy Toward the Region?
By Ahmad Shah Katawazai
Afghanistan's mineral wealth could help kickstart the economy, but beware of the resource curse.
China's Artificial Intelligence Revolution
By Elsa Kania
A new AI development plan calls for China to become the world leader in the field by 2030.
India-China Doklam Standoff: A Chinese Perspective
By Liu Lin
The reasons for the outbreak of tensions are complex, and things could get worse before they could get better.
What Will New Russian Tanks Mean for Vietnam’s Military?
By Nguyen The Phuong
A deeper dive into a much-anticipated acquisition.
A First: China and Russia Will Jointly Host International Army Games
By Charlotte Gao
The Chinese Army will also hold exhibitions of weapons during the games
An Online Celebrity Suspected of Paedophilia Alarms Chinese Parents
By Charlotte Gao
The scandal once again drew people’s attention to China’s lack of sex education and related law
Maritime Asia Update: Malabar 2017, India's Project 75I Sub, and EEZ Surveillance
By Ankit Panda and Prashanth Parameswaran
The Diplomat's editors survey recent maritime and naval developments in Asia.
The Danger of China-Philippines South China Sea Joint Development
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Immediate opportunities mask serious risks related to the past, current context, and the near future.
China and Russia in Central Asia: Rivalries and Resonance
By Catherine Putz
Finding the balance in the long-term between rivalry and resonance may be difficult for Beijing and Moscow.
Why Was a North Korean Official in the Philippines Before the ASEAN Regional Forum?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A recent engagement speaks to diplomatic efforts being waged by various actors amid growing alarm.